Definition of stupendousnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word stupendous different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of stupendous are monstrous, prodigious, and tremendous. While all these words mean "extremely impressive," stupendous implies a power to stun or astound, usually because of size, numbers, complexity, or greatness beyond description.

a stupendous volcanic eruption

In what contexts can monstrous take the place of stupendous?

The words monstrous and stupendous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, monstrous implies a departure from the normal (as in size, form, or character) and often carries suggestions of deformity, ugliness, or fabulousness.

the monstrous waste of the project

When is prodigious a more appropriate choice than stupendous?

Although the words prodigious and stupendous have much in common, prodigious suggests a marvelousness exceeding belief, usually in something felt as going far beyond a previous maximum (as of goodness, greatness, intensity, or size).

made a prodigious effort and rolled the stone aside

Where would tremendous be a reasonable alternative to stupendous?

While in some cases nearly identical to stupendous, tremendous may imply a power to terrify or inspire awe.

the tremendous roar of the cataract

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of stupendous Charlotte is a stupendous city. Andre James, Charlotte Observer, 13 Apr. 2026 Rinko Kikuchi is stupendous as a ballroom-dancing widow infatuated with her instructor. Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 1 Feb. 2026 Also stupendous is the aguachile, raw Mexican shrimp served in a zingy brew of fresh lime juice and jalapeños. Cathy Chaplin, AFAR Media, 22 Jan. 2026 To proceed more or less in order, renewables are now increasingly backstopped not by fossil fuels but by batteries, which have grown cheaper at a stupendous pace. Bill McKibben, The New York Review of Books, 15 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stupendous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stupendous
Adjective
  • The campsite is a budget-friendly way to spend a few nights in the area, a wonderful addition given the more luxe vibe of the other spaces that makes this property feel like a real community.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 June 2026
  • But in general, working with Tim is just wonderful.
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 16 June 2026
Adjective
  • My brother in-law was an incredible husband and an amazing father to their boys.
    Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 18 June 2026
  • Give the audience this amazing look, but the music’s the thread of the whole thing.
    Holly Gleason, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • Still, put in perspective, Spielberg’s cinematic universe over seven decades represents an astonishing range of topics and tensions.
    Peter Bart, Deadline, 18 June 2026
  • Vivid acidity and astonishing freshness frame flavors of lemon zest and Pink Lady apple with a closing note of salinity.
    Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • The mayor said the Knicks' miraculous comeback in Game 4 typified New York's never-say-die spirit.
    Matt Nighswander, NBC news, 18 June 2026
  • Fresh off their championship victory, the team’s starting five — Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges — will join Jimmy Fallon to celebrate their miraculous NBA finals run and taking home the franchise’s first title in 53 years.
    Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 15 June 2026
Adjective
  • Dick Van Dyke, so many marvelous people.
    Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 21 June 2026
  • The sumptuous production, directed by LaTanya Richardson Jackson with solidarity for Cleage’s characters, provides a marvelous showcase for Woodward to slink around on Beowulf Boritt’s glamorous five-star set in costume designer Emilio Sosa’s inspired Pucci-esque outfits.
    Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
Adjective
  • The South American squad secured the $350,000 prize and trophy after an incredible lower bracket run, overcoming an early playoff loss to Paper Rex.
    Mike Stubbs, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
  • Instead, Curaçao goalkeeper Eloy Room made an incredible 15 saves and Ecuador walked away with a humbling result against an opponent it was heavily favored to beat.
    Kellis Robinett, Kansas City Star, 21 June 2026
Adjective
  • This surprising mix of cripsy prosciutto, Parmesan wafers, figs, and nuts will be a hit at your next party.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 20 June 2026
  • Within these nearly three dozen documents are a bunch of curious, surprising, and illuminating things about this year’s Emmy hopefuls.
    Joe Reid, Vulture, 20 June 2026
Adjective
  • Bosch, the German engineering firm, says its British subsidiary now handles 10,000 import transactions per year, a stunning increase from just 40 annually prior to Brexit.
    Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 22 June 2026
  • In one stunning shot, a dragon surges into battle, casually dragging a toe across the water.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 22 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Stupendous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stupendous. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.

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